18/12/2006NZPA
Prime Minister Helen Clark has left the door open for a ban on drivers' use of hand-held cellphones in future.
Miss Clark said Cabinet last week had decided against the ban on using cellphones while driving because research showed it would make little or no difference to the road toll.
"The reason a ban wasn't agreed to at that time was that information we had was it might - underlining might - save one life a year." she said on TV's Breakfast programme.
"Now that has to be put against the inconvenience of the travelling public."
She said the matter could be revisited if evidence showed a ban would make a significant difference.
"I'm happy to have the matter looked at again...but there's got to be good evidence."
Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven is in favour of a ban.
He raised the issue with Cabinet again after the death of 16-year-old Sharleen Lloyd, who police suspected was texting when the car she was driving crashed killing her near Whakatane this month.
United Future, also supports a ban, and MP Gordon Copeland said that last year 79 crashes - seven of them fatal - were caused by cellphone distractions.
Miss Clark said the advent of texting and its increased popularity had added a twist to the issue.
She said it was "absolutely ridiculous" for people to try texting while driving.
Vodafone and Telecom have said they would not oppose a ban on the use of hand-held phones while driving but have not established a position on the use of hands-free devices. ENDS
Today I saw this fkwit reading (the paper was on the steering wheel), talking on a cellphone and trying to drive!! He wasn't reading a map either!! Had basically stopped in the middle of an intersection - finally he looked up and zoomed up to the other cars!! Hello Planet Earth!!! Clarke passing the buck again.
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Originally Posted by pervert
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